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Remembrance Sunday Assembly, London, UK

12 Nov 2023

Children began the ceremony with the chanting of the Shanti-Paath, an ancient Vedic peace prayer

Members of various faiths and vocations came together to light the sacred lamps during the chanting

Members of various faiths and vocations came together to light the sacred lamp during the chanting

Children chanting the Shanti-Paath, an ancient Vedic prayer invoking peace and harmony in every aspect of creation

Members of various faiths and vocations came together to light the sacred lamp during the chanting

Dr Nirav Amin introduced the Remembrance Sunday assembly, noting its fitting concurrence with the Hindu festival of Diwali

The assembly joined in a minute of silence in honour of all those who have lost their lives in battle

Colin Wagstaff, former Chair of the Western Front Association, addressed the assembly

Mr Wagstaff shared a poetic homage to the fallen: “The valour of warriors, their courage and might; In memory’s embrace, forever shines bright.”

Sadguru Tyagvallabhdas Swami honoured Mr Wagstaff with a flower garland

Captain Nandesh Patel of the British Army cited the Bhagavad Gita in paying tribute to veterans of war

Sadguru Tyagvallabhdas Swami honoured Captain Patel with a flower garland

Sadguru Tyagvallabhdas Swami flanked by Captain Patel and Mr Wagstaff

Daniel Kennelly, a volunteer manager at a local food bank, also spoke on this occasion

Mr Kennelly thanked Neasden Temple for its ongoing donation of fresh fruit and vegetables to help feed needy families in the neighbourhood

Yogvivekdas Swami prayed for a peaceful resolution to unrest everywhere in the world, calling for a future of hope and harmony

Several distinguished guests joined the assembly, including Deputy Lieutenant Mei Sim Lai OBE, His Majesty The King’s representative in the London Borough of Brent

Lucy D’Orsi CVO QPM, Chief Constable of British Transport Police and Deputy Assistant Commissioner in the Metropolitan Police Service, was warmly welcomed to the assembly

Cllr Orleen Hylton, Her Worshipful Mayor of Brent, also joined the Diwali and Remembrance Sunday assembly

The assembly concluded with the solemn sound of the <i>Last Post</i> bugle call

The assembly concluded with the solemn sound of the Last Post bugle call

The congregation stood in silent tribute as the bugler played the traditional call